Hybrid circuit board and display device having the same

ABSTRACT

A hybrid circuit board includes a first circuit board and a second circuit boards. The first circuit board includes a first body having a slot, and a first circuit pattern formed on the first body and extended to the slot. The second circuit board includes a second body, a protruding portion, a second circuit pattern, and a separating member. The protruding portion extends from the second body. The protruding portion is inserted into the slot of the first circuit board to combine the second circuit board to the first circuit board. The second circuit pattern is formed on the second body to be extended to the protruding portion, so that the second circuit pattern is electrically connected to the first circuit pattern of the first circuit board. The separating member is disposed between the second body and the protruding portion to separate the protruding portion from the second body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2004-0103611, filed on Dec. 9, 2004, which is herebyincorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a hybrid circuit board and a displaydevice having the hybrid circuit board. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a hybrid circuit board including a plurality offunctional circuit boards that are combined into one hybrid circuitboard and a display device having the hybrid circuit board.

2. Description of the Related Art

A liquid crystal display (LCD) device displays an image based on dataprovided from an information processing device using light and liquidcrystal.

The LCD device includes a liquid crystal control part, a light supplypart and a plurality of circuit boards. The liquid crystal control partcontrols the liquid crystal to display an image. The light supply partsupplies a light to the liquid crystal control part. The circuit boardsapply a voltage, which is externally supplied, to the liquid crystalcontrol part and the light supply part.

The circuit boards of the LCD device are divided into a circuit boardfor a liquid crystal control part, which applies a voltage to the liquidcrystal control part, and a circuit board for a light supply part, whichapplies the voltage to the light supply part. Therefore, conventionalLCD devices include a number of parts that may be consolidated orcombined in order to simplify the assembly process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hybrid circuit board that applies avoltage to a control part and a light supply part through an integrallyformed circuit board, and a display device having the hybrid circuitboard.

Additional features of the invention will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

The present invention discloses a hybrid circuit board, including afirst circuit board including a first body, the first body having a slotand a first circuit pattern extending to the slot; and a second circuitboard including a second body; a protruding portion extending from thesecond body, the protruding portion arranged within the slot to attachthe second circuit board with the first circuit board; a second circuitpattern formed on the second body that extends to the protruding portionto couple the first circuit pattern with the second circuit pattern; anda separating member provided between the second body and the protrudingportion.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a hybrid circuit boardaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is another exploded perspective view showing the hybrid circuitboard shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first surface of a second circuit boardshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second surface of the second circuitboard shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid circuit board according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a portion ‘A’ shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a hybrid circuit board inaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line II-II′ shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a hybrid circuit boardaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a hybrid circuit boardaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a hybrid circuit boardaccording to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line III-III′ shown inFIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid circuit board according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a display device according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention described below may be varied and modified in many differentways without departing from the inventive principles disclosed herein,and the scope of the present invention is therefore not limited to theseparticular following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by wayof example and not of limitation.

Hereinafter, the invention is described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a hybrid circuit boardaccording to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is another explodedperspective view showing a hybrid circuit board shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the hybrid circuit board 300 includes afirst circuit board 100 and a second circuit board 200. The firstcircuit board 100 applies a power to a control part (not shown) of adisplay device (not shown). The second circuit board 200 applies a powerto a light generating part (not shown).

The first circuit board 100 includes a first body 110, a plurality ofslots 120 and a plurality of first circuit patterns 130. Each of theslots 120 and first circuit patterns 130 may be disposed at the firstbody 110.

The first body 110 may have a substantially rectangular plate-likeshape. The first body 110 includes a printed circuit board (PCB). Thefirst body 110 has multiple side surfaces; e.g., a first side surface110 a, a second side surface 110 b, a third side surface 110 c, and afourth side surface 110 d. As shown in FIG. 1, the first side surface110 a and the second side surface 110 b are opposite to each other andsubstantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the third side surface100 c and the fourth side surface 110 d are opposite to each other andsubstantially parallel to each other.

The first side surface 110 a and the second side surface 110 b aresubstantially parallel with a first direction. The third side surface110 c and the fourth surface 110 d are substantially parallel with asecond direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicularto the first direction.

The slots 120 may be, for example, a hole that is disposed in the firstbody 110. The slots may have a substantially rectangular-like shape, asshown on a plane view. The slots 120 are arranged along the firstdirection. Each of the slots has a longitudinal direction that issubstantially parallel with the first direction.

The plurality of slots 120, for example, may be arranged in the firstbody 110 in series. In the present embodiment, three of the slots 120are shown being aligned in a line along the first direction in the firstbody 110.

The first circuit pattern 130 is disposed on the first body 110. Aportion of the first circuit pattern 130 extends toward an inner sidesurface area of the first body 110. The inner side surface area of thefirst body 110 is formed by the slot 120.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first surface of the second circuitboard shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a second surface ofthe second circuit board shown in FIG. 1;

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the second circuit board 200 includes asecond body 210, a second circuit pattern 220, a plurality of openings230 and a plurality of protruding portions 240.

The second body 210, for example, may be a substantially rectangularplate-like shape. The second body 210 may include a first surface 211, asecond surface 212, and four side surfaces 210 a. The second surface 212is opposite to the first surface 211.

Each of the protruding portions 240 extends from at least one sidesurface 210 a of the second body 210. Alternatively, the protrudingportion 240 may be formed by removing a portion of at least one of theside surfaces 210 a.

In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 240 extends in adirection that is substantially parallel to the first surface 211 andthe second surface 212. Therefore, the protruding portion 240 that iscombined or attached with the slot 120 of the first circuit board 100 issubstantially perpendicular to the first body 110.

The protruding portion 240 corresponds with the slot 120 so that it maybe fit therein. In the present embodiment, the first body 110 includes,for example, three slots 120 and three protruding portions 240 thatcorrespond with the slots 120, respectively, which are formed on atleast one of the side surfaces 210 a.

The protruding portion 240 has a width corresponding with a width of theslot 120. The protruding portion 240 may extend longer than a thicknessof the first circuit board 100.

The second circuit pattern 220 may be formed on both the protrudingportion 240 and the second body 210. Thus, when the protruding portion240 is inserted into the slot 120, the second circuit pattern 220 iselectrically connected; e.g., coupled, with the first circuit pattern130. In addition, the first and second circuit patterns 130 and 220 maybe fixed; e.g., soldered, with each other in order to prevent the firstcircuit pattern 130 and the second circuit pattern 220 from separating.

For example, when the protruding portion 240 of the second circuit board200 is soldered to the slot 120 of the first circuit board 100, thefirst circuit board 100 and the second circuit board 200 are difficultto separate from each other. Thus, when the second circuit board 200needs to be removed or replaced, separating the second circuit board 200from the first circuit board 100 requires a lot of time and work.

To more easily separate the second circuit board 200 from the firstcircuit board 100, the second circuit board 200 may include a separatingmember, e.g., an opening 230. The opening 230 may be a substantiallyline-like shape that is disposed at a border between the second circuitboard 200 and the protruding portion 240. For example, the opening 230may be formed at a portion where a surface of the first body 110contacts the second body 210. The opening 230 may be formed in adirection that is substantially parallel to the surface of the firstbody 110. When the second body 210 and the protruding portion 240 of thesecond circuit board 200 are firstly separated from each other, and theprotruding portion 240 is separated from the slot 120 of the firstcircuit board 100, the second circuit board 200 and the first circuitboard are more easily separated from each other.

The opening 230 may be provided on a portion of the second body 210 thatcontacts a surface of the first body 110. Preferably, the opening 230 isformed in a direction that is substantially parallel to the surface ofthe first body 110. When an external force is applied to the second body210, e.g., a pulling force, the second body 210 and the protrudingportion 240 are easily separated.

In the present embodiment, in order for the protruding portion 240 to beeasily separable from the second body 210, the second circuit board 200includes the opening portion 230. Alternatively, the second circuitboard 200 may include the separating member, such as a groove, as shownbelow.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a hybrid circuit boardaccording to another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is an enlargedview of part ‘A’ shown in FIG. 5. In the present embodiment, the hybridcircuit board shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is the same as shown in FIGS.1, 2, 3, and 4 except for a separating member. Thus, the same referencenumerals are used to refer to the same or like parts as those describedin FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and any further explanation is omitted asnecessary.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a second circuit board 200 may include aseparating member, such as a groove 232, a notch, or a cut out portion.The groove 232 may have a substantially V-shape. The groove 232 may beprovided on a second surface 212 of a second body 210. Preferably, thegroove 232 may be formed near a protruding portion 240. The groove 232extends along a substantially longitudinal direction of the second body210. The groove 232 may be disposed at a border between the protrudingportion 240 and the second body 210 or a region that is adjacent to theborder.

In the present embodiment, the separating member corresponds to thegroove 232. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the secondcircuit board 200, the second body 210 easily separates from theprotruding portion 240 that is combined with the first circuit board100. Then, the protruding portion 240 separates from the slot 120 of thefirst body 110. Therefore, the second circuit board 200 may be easilyseparated from the first circuit board 100. A cross-section of an innerside surface of the groove 232 has, for example, a substantiallyV-shape. Alternatively, the cross-section of the inner side surface ofthe groove 232 may have a substantially U-shape or another shape.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid circuit board in accordancewith another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectionalview taken along a line II-II′ shown in FIG. 7. In the presentembodiment, the hybrid circuit board shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are thesame as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, except for the separating member.Thus, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or likeparts as those described in FIG. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and any furtherexplanation is omitted as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a second circuit board 200 according toan embodiment of the invention may include a separating member such as aplurality of recesses 234 or holes. For example, the recesses 234 may beprovided on a second surface 212 of a second body 210. Preferably, therecesses 234 may be provided near a protruding portion 240. The recesses234 may be arranged along a line that extends along a longitudinaldirection of the second body 210. The recesses 234 may be disposed at aborder area that is between the second body 210 and the protrudingportion 240.

The separating member 234 may correspond to a plurality of recessesarranged along the longitudinal direction of the second body 210, asshown in FIG. 7. The recesses 234, in a plane view, may have asubstantially round shape, e.g., an elliptical shape, a rectangularshape, a circular shape, and other similar shapes, etc. The recesses maypenetrate or be formed in the second body 210 to form a plurality ofholes.

According to an embodiment of the invention, more than one of therecesses 234 are formed on the second surface. The recesses 234 may bearranged along a line that is substantially parallel to a surface of afirst body 110. In the present embodiment, a depth of the recess 234 is,for example, less than a thickness of the second body 210.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a hybrid circuit boardaccording to another embodiment of the invention. The hybrid circuitboard shown in FIG. 9 is substantially the same as shown in FIGS. 1, 2,3, and 4 except for the separating member. Thus, the same referencenumerals are used to refer to the same or similar parts as thosedescribed in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and any further explanation is omittedas necessary.

Referring to FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the invention, asecond circuit board 200 may include a separating member, such as aplurality of openings 236. The openings 236 may be provided at a firstsurface 211 of a second body 210. The openings 236 enable the secondbody 210 to be separated from a plurality of protruding portions 240that are attached with a first body 110.

A plurality of second circuit patterns 220 are provided on the firstsurface 211 of the second body 210, therefore, the openings 236 may beformed at any region of the first surface 211 except for the secondcircuit pattern 220.

To prevent the openings 236 from being overlapped with the secondcircuit patterns 220, each of the openings 236, when viewed on a plane,is provided on both sides of each of the second circuit patterns 220.Preferably, the opening 236 is formed on a portion where the second body210 contacts the first body 110. Thus, according to the presentembodiment, the opening 236 is preferably a groove having asubstantially rectangular like shape.

In the present embodiment, the opening 236 may penetrate the second body210. Alternatively, the separating member may be a groove having asubstantially identical shape as the opening 236. The grooves may have adepth of about half of the thickness of the second body 210.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid circuit board according toanother embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, thehybrid circuit board shown in FIG. 10 is the same as the hybrid circuitboard shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 except for the separating member.The same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or likeparts as those described in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and any furtherexplanation is omitted as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 10, a second circuit board 200 may include aseparating member, such as a plurality of recesses 238. The recesses 238may be formed on a first surface 211 of a second body 210. The secondbody 210 may be easily separated from the protruding portions 240 thatare attached with a first body 110 due to the recesses 238.

A plurality of second circuit patterns 220 are provided on the firstsurface 211 of the second body 210, therefore, the recesses 238 may beformed on any portion of the first surface 211 except for the secondcircuit patterns 220.

To prevent the recesses 238 from being overlapped with the secondcircuit patterns 220, the openings 238 are provided on both sides of thesecond circuit patterns 220. The recesses 238 are preferably formed on aportion where the second body 210 contacts the first body 110.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of the recesses may be arrangedalong a line on both sides of each of the second circuit patterns 220,respectively. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, three of the recesses238 may be formed on both sides of each of the second circuit patterns220, respectively.

The recesses 238 may have a substantially round-like shape; e.g., acircular like shape, an elliptical like shape, a rectangular like shape,or the like.

The recesses 238 are preferably less deep than a thickness of the secondbody 210. For example, the depth of the recesses 238 is preferably abouthalf of the thickness of the second body 210. Alternatively, therecesses 238 may have the same depth as the thickness of the second body210. When the depth of the recesses 238 is the same as the thickness ofthe second body 210, the recesses 238 penetrate the second body 210.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid circuit board according toan embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view takenalong a line III-III′ shown in FIG. 11. The hybrid circuit board shownin FIGS. 11 and 12 is the same as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 exceptfor the separating member. The same reference numerals are used to referto the same or similar parts as those described in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4and any further explanation is omitted as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a second circuit board 200 may includea separating member, such as a plurality of openings 239. The openings239 may be provided on a second surface 212 of a second body 210. Theopenings 239 may be formed on a portion of the second body 210 where thesecond body 210 contacts a first body 110. The openings 239 may beprovided on the second surface 212 along a direction that issubstantially parallel to a surface of the first body 110.

The openings 239 may include grooves 239 a and through holes 239 b. Thegrooves 239 a are provided on the second surface 212 in a direction thatis substantially parallel to the surface of the first body 110. Each ofthe grooves 239 a may have a substantially rectangular like shape. Aninner side surface of the groove 239 a may be a substantially V shape ora substantially U shape. A depth of the groove 239 a is less than athickness of the second body 210.

The through holes 239 b may be provided on a bottom surface of thegroove 239. At least one of the through holes 239 b may be formed alongthe groove 239. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of thethrough holes 239 b are formed along the groove 239. Each position ofthe through holes 239 b may not overlap with the second circuit pattern220 that is on the first surface 211 of the second body 210. The throughholes 239 b are preferably formed on both sides of each of the secondcircuit patterns 220.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a hybrid circuit board according toanother embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, thehybrid circuit board shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the hybrid circuitboard shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 except for the separating member anda connection hole provided at the second circuit pattern. The samereference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar parts asthose described in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 and any further explanation isomitted as necessary.

Referring to FIG. 13, a second circuit board 200 may include aseparating member, such as a plurality of openings 236. The openings 236may be formed on a first surface 211 of a second body 210 to separatethe second body 210 from a plurality of protruding portions 240 that isattached with a first body 110.

A plurality of second circuit patterns 220 are formed on the firstsurface 211 of the second body 210 so that the openings 236 may beformed on any portion of the first surface 211 except for a regioncorresponding to the second circuit patterns 220.

To prevent the openings 236 from being formed at the second circuitpatterns 220, the openings 236 are provided on both sides of each of thesecond circuit patterns 220. The opening 236 are preferably provided ona portion of the second body 210 where the second body 210 contacts thefirst body 110. In the present embodiment, the opening 236 is preferablya groove having a substantially rectangular-like shape.

The opening 236 preferably has a depth that is less than a thickness ofthe second body 210. The depth of the opening 236, for example, maypreferably be about half of the thickness of the second body 210.

In addition, a connection hole 224 may be formed on a portion of thefirst surface 211 of the second body 210 where the second circuitpattern 220 contacts a first circuit pattern (not shown). The firstcircuit pattern is electrically connected, e.g. coupled, with the secondcircuit pattern 220, for example, by soldering the connection hole 224so that the first circuit pattern and the second circuit pattern 220 arefirmly fixed with each other.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a display device according to anotherembodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 14, the display device600 includes a hybrid circuit board 300, a light source 400, and adisplay panel 500.

The hybrid circuit board 300 includes a first circuit board 100 and asecond circuit board 200. The first circuit board 100 applies a voltageVcc, e.g., the voltage may be supplied from an exterior of the displaydevice 600, to the display panel 500. The second circuit board 200applies the voltage Vcc to the light source 400.

The first circuit board 100 includes a first body 110, a plurality ofslots 120 and a first circuit pattern 130. The slot 120 is in the firstbody 110. The first circuit pattern 130 is on the first body 110.

The first body 110 may be a substantially rectangular plate like shape.The first body 110 may be, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB),which includes four side surfaces.

The slots 120 may be holes provided is in the first body 110. The slots120 may have a substantially rectangular like shape. For example, theslots 120 may be arranged at the first body 110 along a line. As shownin the present embodiment, three slots 120 are arranged in the firstbody 110 in series.

The first circuit pattern 130 may be provided on the first body 110. Aportion of the first circuit pattern 130 extends to an inner surface ofthe first body 110. The inner surface of the first body 110 is formedhaving the slots 120.

The second circuit board 200 may include a second body 210, a secondcircuit pattern 220, an opening 232, and a protruding portion 240.According to the present embodiment of the invention, the second circuitboard 200 may be an inverter that operates the light source 400.

The second body 210 may have a substantially rectangular like shape. Forexample, the second body 210 may include a first surface 211, a secondsurface 212 that is opposite to the first surface 211, and four sidesurfaces. It is understood that the second body may have various shapesother than the shapes discussed above.

The protruding portion 240 extends from at least one of the sidesurfaces of the second body 210. Alternatively, the protruding portion240 may be formed by partially removing a portion of one of the sidesurfaces.

In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 240 extends in adirection that is substantially parallel to the first surface 211 andthe second surfaces 212 of the second body 210. Therefore, theprotruding portion 240 that is combined, e.g., attached, with the slot120 of the first circuit board 100 is substantially perpendicular to thefirst body 110.

The protruding portion 240 is shaped to correspond to the slot 120.Preferably, three slots 120 are provided in the first body 110 and threeprotruding portions 240 are provided on at least one side surface of thesecond body.

The protruding portion 240 has a width corresponding to a width of theslot 120. The protruding portion 240 may be longer than a thickness ofthe first circuit board 100.

The second circuit pattern 220 is provided on the protruding portion 240and the second body 210. Thus, when the protruding portion 240 isinserted into the slot 120, the second circuit pattern 220 and the firstcircuit pattern 130 are electrically connected, e.g., coupled, with eachother. In addition, the first circuit pattern 130 and the second circuitpattern 220 are soldered or joined to each other to prevent the firstcircuit pattern 130 and the second circuit pattern 220 from separatingfrom each other.

When the protruding portion 240 of the second circuit board 200 issoldered to; e.g., joined with, the slot 120 provided in the firstcircuit board 100, the first circuit board 100 and the second circuitboard 200 may not be separated from each other. To separate the secondcircuit board 200 from the first circuit board 100, the second body 210and the protruding portion 240 of the second circuit board 200 are firstseparated from the first circuit board 100, and then the protrudingportion 240 is separated from the slot 120.

For example, in order to separate the protruding portion 240 from thesecond body 210, the opening 232 may be formed on the second surface 212of the second body 210.

In the present embodiment, the opening 232 may be formed on a portionwhere a surface of the first body 110 contacts the second body 210. Theopening 232 is preferably formed along a direction that is substantiallyparallel to the surface of the first body 110.

The opening 232 may be a groove in order to cause the fatigue failure ofthe second body 210. In the present embodiment, the second circuitpattern 220 is provided on the first surface of the second body 210.Therefore, the opening 232 being the groove is preferably provided onthe second surface 212 of the second body 210.

Alternatively, the opening 232 may be a recess shape. Alternatively, theopening 232 may be provided on the first surface 211 of the second body210. According to the present embodiment, when the opening 232 isprovided on the first surface 211 of the second body 210, the opening232 is preferably provided on both sides of each of the second circuitpatterns 220. Alternatively, the opening 232 may include a groove and athrough hole that is formed on a bottom surface of the groove.

The first body 110 of the hybrid circuit board 300 may generate a firstdriving signal to operate the display panel 500. The first drivingsignal is applied to the display panel 500 through a first signal line110 a.

The second body 210 of the hybrid circuit board 300 may generate asecond driving signal to operate the light source 400. The seconddriving signal is applied to the light source 400 through a secondsignal line 200 a.

In the present embodiment, the LCD panel 500 includes liquid crystal(not shown), a first substrate (not shown) and a second substrate (notshown). An alignment of the liquid crystal charges in response to anelectric field generated by the first substrate and the secondsubstrates.

The first substrate may include, for example, a plurality of pixelelectrodes (not shown). The second substrate may include, for example, acommon electrode (not shown) that is opposite to the pixel electrodes.

The first substrate preferably includes a thin film transistor (notshown). The thin film transistor is connected, e.g., coupled, with eachof the pixel electrodes in order to apply the driving signal to thepixel electrode. The second substrate may include a color filter (notshown) that is opposite to the pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal isprovided between the first substrate and the second substrate.

The light source 400 is preferably a cold cathode fluorescent lamp(CCFL). Alternatively, the light source 500 may be light emitting diodes(LED).

According to at least the embodiments of the invention discussed above,when either one of the circuit boards forming the hybrid circuit boardis damaged, the circuit board may be easily separated from the othercircuit board and replaced. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variation can be made in the presentinvention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modificationsand variations of this invention provided they come within the scope ofthe appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A hybrid circuit board comprising: a first circuit board comprising afirst body, the first body having a plurality of slots and a pluralityof first circuit patterns extending into the slots; and a second circuitboard comprising: a second body; a plurality of protruding portions eachof the protruding portions extending outwardly from the second body, theprotruding portions arranged within the slots to attach to the secondcircuit board with the first circuit board; second circuit patternsformed on the second body that extend to the protruding portions tocouple the first circuit patterns with second circuit patterns; and aseparating member provided between the second body and each of theprotruding portions, wherein the separating member is an elongatedopening extending laterally from substantially one side edge to anopposite side edge of each of the protruding portions.
 2. The hybridcircuit board of claim 1, wherein the second body and the protrudingportion are substantially perpendicular to the first circuit board. 3.The hybrid circuit board of claim 1, wherein the second body comprises afirst surface and a second surface that is opposite to the firstsurface, the second circuit pattern being provided on the first surfaceand the separating member being provided on the second surface.
 4. Thehybrid circuit board of claim 1, wherein the second body comprises afirst surface and a second surface that is opposite to the firstsurface, the separating member including a cut-away portion on at leastone of the first and second surface.